RSO: Rick Simpson Oil Effects and Benefits

Marijuana oils are a popular cannabis product, offering near-immediate, if not immediate, RSO effects to users. Oils can be applied in many different ways and are often available in various flavours to appeal to users.

Can you imagine creating your own type of cannabis oil and having it named after you? For Rick Simpson, that’s precisely what happened when he created RSO. 

What Is RSO?

In 2003, Canadian medical marijuana activist Rick Simpson created RSO after being diagnosed with skin cancer. Rick soaked marijuana in isopropyl alcohol. This process separated the therapeutic compounds and formed them into a dark, tar-like substance. This substance became known as RSO, also known as Rick Simpson Oil or Phoenix Tears.

Though most people are familiar with CBD oils, RSO has one unique quality that makes it markedly different than other oils on the market. The difference? RSO contains high levels of THC. 

CBD oil is not allowed to contain more than 0.3 percent of THC. But, RSO can have up to 90 percent THC. Because of this, this type of oil can pack quite a punch. 

What Is THC?

With THC making RSO so unique, let’s take a look at what exactly THC is. 

Marijuana plants are made up of more than 100 compounds, called cannabinoids. These compounds give the plant its colour, flavour, and smell. They also play a role in determining the types of effects users will experience. 

Out of all the compounds in a plant, we really only know two of them: CBD and THC.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the compound in the marijuana responsible for the psychoactive effects (or “high”) people associate with marijuana use. 

CBD, or cannabinol, on the other hand, is not psychoactive. It helps people relax with the high feeling. This compound can also be used to temper THC’s effects. 

What Is RSO Used For?

RSO first came onto the cannabis scene as a medical marijuana product. However, other people are starting to discover the benefits of using RSO recreationally. 

Said to provide full-body relief, RSO is often used to relieve chronic pain, solve insomnia issues, and more. 

RSO can help people relax, but with high levels of THC, a little bit of this oil will go a long way. 

What Are the Benefits of Using RSO?

RSO and any type of cannabis oil offer users many benefits. Although RSO is notorious for relieving the side effects of specific medical issues, it is like other marijuana oil products, helping relieve inflammation and more. 

Plus, unlike smoking or vaping, you can keep your use of RSO oil discreet. It is odourless, easy to carry with you, and easy to administer. 

How to Use RSO

RSO can be taken in many ways. But, it is best taken as an edible. This means you can take it by placing some under your tongue or adding it to your favourite food or drink. Just put a few drops on top of your meal or in your beverage.

In general, cannabis oil is also a popular topical, and RSO is no different. If you are dealing with sore muscles, consider applying the oil directly to the skin. This could provide fast relief as the skin absorbs the oil quickly. However, when applied to the skin, the THC effects will likely not be felt as the THC will not enter the bloodstream. 

RSO should not be taken by dabbing or vaporizing. 

Finally, some people use RSO as part of their medical care. For this, it is often recommended users follow a 90-day regimen. When using RSO recreationally, you can take it however you want. Just be sure to keep an eye on your dosage—RSO is powerful stuff. 

Possible RSO Side Effects

Because of its high THC content and the fact that THC is psychoactive, RSO does have the risk of a few side effects, including:

• Feelings of paranoia
• Increased anxiety
• Irritability
• Chance of experiencing hallucinations

RSO can also cause some physical side effects, such as:

• Red eyes
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Impaired cognitive abilities.

Though there is the potential to suffer side effects while using RSO, it is important to note that these are short term effects. The effects generally last only a few hours or, in the case of red eyes, can be easily treated (apply some eye drops!). 

Can I Make My Own RSO?

RSO’s creator wants people to make their own RSO, so it is possible. However, making your own RSO can come with some risks. 

First, making RSO is time-consuming. You’ll want to make enough to last a while, which can make it even more of a time commitment and require you to have a substantial amount of marijuana on hand.

Second, it isn’t very easy to make. Those without experience making things like RSO may find it hard to make and could end up with a subpar product. 

Finally, the process can be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. The solvents used to create RSO run the risk of sparking and causing an explosion. They can also be dangerous for people to handle if not done properly. 

So, even though you could make your own RSO, many people just find it easier to let the professionals handle it and purchase RSO from a retailer. 

Final Thoughts

RSO is a unique type of cannabis oil, boasting high amounts of THC where most oils only offer trace amounts. These high THC levels can produce a powerful high for those who use it, making using the proper dosage important. 

When using RSO for the first time, be sure to start with a small amount to see how it affects you. Give it a bit of time to take hold before taking more. Or, consider using a little more the next time you get out your oil. 

RSO is often used for medicinal purposes, but its popularity as a recreational cannabis oil is growing. It will be exciting to learn what all this THC oil has to offer as people continue to use it and study its effects on the body.